Grace and peace to you from the holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today we welcomed a new member into the body of Christ through Baptism. What a beautiful gift of water and WORD that cleanses both body and spirit. 

As participants in this baptism we see how it is always the right time for the Holy Spirit. 

I can’t think of a more joyous way to begin the day. 

Joy for the life we share with each other, as friends, as family, as the future. 

Owen’s bible verse speaks to this truth, Philippians 4:4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” 

This is one of the many gifts of having the power of Jesus’ presence in our lives, gentleness, not power over others. 

The Apostle Paul has written these words to people who are looking for encouragement, just as Luke firmly plants us as we plow ahead. 

I pray for Owen and all of us who share his baptismal joy that we set our face, looking forward to our life with Jesus. 

We are all given this wonderful gift of life. 

A life that graciously offers the forgiveness of our sins through faith. Faith that we have in God, a God who loves us more than we can understand. 

Imagine the power that God has shared with us, each one of us given an equal share. 

God who is patient, steadfast, and welcoming.

In our gospel from Luke we have a determined Jesus, who has set his face to go to Jerusalem. 

We are blessed to become a part of Owen’s journey as he sets his face into eternal life with Jesus. 

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where he will meet his goal of dying for all of us, so that we may live as Jesus lives. 

But like our own lives met with struggle, Jesus’ journey to the promised land is an uphill climb. 

To get there he passes through a village of Samaritans, where we are told the disciples are to make ready for him, but the Samaritans wouldn’t have him. 

Luke’s gospel relates Jesus’ words of having no home now, taking us back to his birth, when Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we remember that there was no room in the inn. 

Jesus seems without a home on earth, in fact his home is in heaven. The Samaritans would not receive Jesus. 

James and John were upset that Jesus wouldn’t be received. 

The sons of thunder who recently argued amongst themselves, as to who would be the greatest. 

Even then, as now, we don’t understand power, as they suggest to Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 

Jesus must have been wondering if his message was getting through to them at all? 

Perhaps their new found ability of healing and exorcising demons had gone to their heads?

I think Jesus would agree, As I like to say, “Use your super powers for good.” Jesus strongly denied their request and they went to another village. Here is the echo of Philippians 4, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” 

That is the message, the Good News of Jesus that we are known as gentle people. 

Having power and knowing how and when to use it takes wisdom, patience, and loving your enemy. 

Jesus teaches us that loving your enemy leads to new life. 

Imagine the freedom given to us that we are forgiven to move ahead. People are drawn to Jesus, offering to follow. 

Yet I am left amazed that that invitation is both a gift and a responsibility. Too often I forget the gift aspect, that love and life come without strings. How many times does a “Good Deal” come with strings attached? The self-righteousness of asking, “What’s in it for me?” 

I read a commentary about that question, which is reflected in a bumper sticker, “If you were brought to trial for being a Christian, would you be convicted?” 

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians 5: 22 we get a list of what to look for in a Christian; “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” 

We are all called to live by the Spirit. 

Living a life convicted to follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbor.

I wonder what I am attached to today that keeps me from following Jesus fully and freely? 

When do I stand atop the mountain of self-righteousness, feeling justified by what I have done. 

More often than not it is what I have left undone or didn’t even see. 

I am slowly learning that I don’t have to be right, when I have felt how good it feels to be right I have been trained to win. 

Jesus teaches us that what may appear to be losing is really winning. Winning by love for everyone. 

What would it have looked like if James and John were allowed to rain destruction on that Samaritan village? 

Jesus doesn’t threaten us to follow. 

But many of us, myself included may be afraid of what we will leave behind. Perhaps leaving behind self-righteousness is a great place to start. Be loving rather than right, practice gentleness rather than greed. We all have a room in the heavens of glory. 

The river of life flows with the water of a loving God, that cleanses our soul. Our proof is when we show up, love our neighbor,and share kindness. Set your face to the love of Jesus. 

Rejoice in the Lord and let your gentleness be known to everyone.” For this we can say, Thanks be to God! Amen